In His Strength

In his workshop Mister Bill has many things - many I cannot accurately name. One such handy gizmo is called a "come-along." Although its use matches its name, it is specifically "a hand-operated ratcheting cable or strap puller used to life pull, stretch, or position heavy loads over short distances." Like I said ... a handy gizmo. When life "happens," one of the first things we learn is just how weak and ill-equipped we are to meet present challenges. It can, of course, be a physical challenge but more often it is emotional, mental or spiritual in nature. Paul writes, "I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13 ESV). What a great verse of promise and hope but I fear we live as if the verse reads: "I can do all things," neglecting the "through Him Who strengthens me." In this terribly misguiding culture we are told and encouraged to dig-deep into ourselves and find that inner strength to succeed in and through every facet of life. What an exercise in futility - useless and ineffective! "[God] gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength." (Isaiah 40:29) ... "Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." (Ephesians 6:10) ... "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26) ... "Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" (1 Chronicles 16:11) ... "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26). There is no match, no equal, no substitute for the strength God gives to those who will first humble themselves - admit their own weakness - then find all they need to come-along in His power. Over the years, I've seen Mister Bill's come-along gizmo in action, and it's pretty impressive. Nothing speaks louder to our own hearts or to others who watch us in-and-through life's challenges than when we trust God and live life ... in His strength.

Certain

Oh, how we love our modern conveniences. We love and use them so much, we've come to depend on them exclusively. Then ... they fail - a quick reminder of just how "dependable" they really are. So goes the account of David and his army who returned from war to find their homes burned and families taken captive by the wicked Amalekites. Of course, they were distraught - "wept until there was no strength in them to weep" (1 Samuel 30:4 NASB). Even though David suffered loss (his own family captured), his men were ready to stone him! Scripture says in the face of such calamity David "strengthened himself in the LORD his God" (V.6). I suppose we've all been in such a place where we felt absolutely alone; even those close to us - those with whom we love and share life - are of no help,  perhaps even a source of the moment's chaos and distress. What does it mean that David found strength and encouragement "in the LORD?" Certainly, David drew on his past experiences, what he knew of The LORD - those times when God had proven to be his faithful rock, present help, sure foundation. When we depend on The ever-faithful, never-changing LORD, we are sure to find genuine dependability. That is ... certain.

Fresh Fruit

The summer season brings all kinds of fresh fruit - cantaloupes, watermelons, strawberries and blackberries to name just a few. While I won't miss the terrible heat, I will miss those seasonal yummies! God says we are to "continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His Name." (Hebrews 13:15). There is nothing "seasonal" about being grateful and expressing it! Gratitude is not a feeling, which are typically rooted in something temporal like the feeling we get from a hot shower after working in the yard or the smell and taste of your morning coffee. A heart of genuine gratitude will find God alone as its continual song of thankfulness. In Exodus 34 we read that on Mount Sinai, the LORD descended and stood with Moses and declared Himself "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; Who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, Who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin." (Verses 6-7 NASB). God alone - not simply what He does but who He is - we have reason to continually be grateful and speak of it. Such is our continual ... fresh fruit.

Be a Fountain

Many years ago while attending a convention in Texas, little-Danny was introduced to an outdoor fountain.  Inside the convention center, it didn't take long for boredom to set so he and I eased outside where a large inviting water fountain became a welcome playground [of sorts].  He was having so much fun, I wanted to join him!  By design, we are fountains!  There's an eternal Spring within each person who belongs to Christ: "God has poured out His Love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit." (Romans 5:5). The Holy Spirit within Believers is an endless and bountiful Source of God's Love and Compassion, and we're wrong to withhold these immeasurable graces from others.  In reality, if we are living a Spirit-filled life, these treasures will spill-to-overflowing in all we say and do ... much like a fountain.  Recently, I watched a bird bathe in a bird bath; it was naturally refreshed by the water. Consider the potential to be that splash of joy, that refreshment of Christ in the lives of your family, your co-workers, your neighbors, even strangers.  Our splashes can easily be showers of blessings to those who need a Touch of Christ. Look around and splash a few folks today!

Eternal Shepherd

The word "shepherd" warms my soul. He is one who leads, cares for and tends to the needs of ... yes, usually sheep. From all I've learned about sheep, they really-really need leading, caring for and tending to! Jesus said, "I am the Good Shepherd" (John 10:14); the writer of Hebrews called Jesus the "Great Shepherd" (Hebrews 13:20); Peter wrote of Jesus as the "Chief Shepherd" (1 Peter 5:4). I feel all Believers should find this heart-warming! Jesus assures us He knows the sheep which belong to Him and those same sheep know their Shepherd (John 10:14). Interestingly, the word "shepherd" is both a noun (person, place, thing) and a verb (an action word). God has given His Church pastors to "shepherd" Jesus' flock in study, worship, fellowship, service and bring others to a relationship with Christ. Through the years, I've had to say "goodbye" to pastors as they have moved into other areas of ministry or retired; saying goodbye was sometimes tough. I anticipate the glorious day when I'm in the presence of The Shepherd of all shepherds: no more goodbyes - only hello to  my ... Eternal Shepherd.